Tag Archives: what to do in battabambang

With only three weeks to spend in Cambodia, I was having a hard time deciding what to do after leaving Siem Reap and exploring Angkor Wat. Then I came across Here Be Dragons, a Game of Thrones-inspired hostel. My decision was made immediately.

Battambang was a nice change a pace from Siem Reap. It’s not particularly off the beaten path but not as busy as Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. It was the first time I felt like I was in the “real” Cambodia. Battambang has no shortage of activities. Here are some of the major things to do there:

1. Bamboo Train

At 50 km/hour this “norry” (commonly known as the Bamboo Train ) was originally built by the French but was abandoned when the Khmer Rouge shut it down. It’s now a popular tourist attraction. 50 kilometers might sound slow but it sure doesn’t feel tame when you’re sitting cross-legged on a piece of wood with no seatbelt. The train costs $5 USD to ride and is open daily.